The story of Estampa

Estampa is a world folk jazz band based in Brisbane, Australia. The band consists of Rebecca Karlen on violin and voice, Paul Henderson on guitar John Reeves on accordion and Samuel Vincent on double bass.

Evoking visions of Parisian laneways, South American sensuality and the unbridled joy of jazz, Estampa is a group of diverse musicians delivering energetic, internationally-inspired performances. Rooted in the traditions of French jazz and Brazilian Bossa Novas, Estampa provides a unique musical experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve entered a 1930’s Parisian jazz club or the streets of São Paulo.

Estampa has performed at venues such as the Brisbane Jazz Club, The Tanks Art Centre in Cairns, Studio 188 in Ipswich and Reload Espresso Bar in Salisbury. Festival performances include shows at the Woodford Folk Festival, in 2017-2018.  the Brisbane International Jazz Festival, Nambour Jazz Festival and performances at Le Festival (the French Festival in Brisbane) in 2018.

Estampa released its debut self-titled album in December 2017.

Rebecca Karlen

Rebecca Karlen completed her Master of Music Research from the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University in 2022. She has been an active freelance musician in both Australia and in her hometown, Stockholm, Sweden. Rebecca enjoys performing a wide range of music styles in different musical contexts, as both a violinist and a singer. Her wide-ranging work as a musician includes working with the QLD Pops Orchestra, Mirusia, the Australian Session Orchestra, Topology, and for several different performers agencies, such as Bentley’s Agency, Angelstrings and the Queensland Performers Agency. She is particularly active with her own band Estampa, touring in 2021, and releasing a second album with this band in 2021.

John Reeves

John Reeves is a jazz accordionist, pianist and composer born in the UK, formally trained in classical piano at the Royal College of Music. Since graduation in 1999 John embarked on a career in Jazz Piano performing in London and since 2003 all around Australia. In 2007 John travelled to Ghana pursuing an interest in West African music, studying drumming, singing and dance  with ‘The Kusun Ensemble’. On returning he formed/joined groups with local African musicians eventually touring to Japan and Taiwan. John has been a member of Estampa for many years after discovering a passion for the accordion. As well recording with Estampa on both albums, John has released his own CD of compositions ’Creatures of the Half Sleep’ in an Accordion Jazz Trio. John was part of Mark Sholtez’ touring band including performances at The Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall and is a regular member of ‘The Shenton Gregorio Quartet’. He recorded a duo album ‘Cirumflex’ on piano with jazz vocalist Ingrid James.

Paul Henderson

Paul Henderson has been a professional guitarist for over 25 years and, in recent years, has developed an obsession with the banjo. He left school early after auditioning and being granted special, early entry into jazz study at university. This meant he was the youngest students ever accepted. Paul continues to learn even now, studying online with renowned Punch Brothers’ banjo player, Noam Pikelny. He is a staple in both the jazz scene and the blue grass community in Brisbane and surrounds. However, his musical interests have led him to work with a variety of genres, such as world, folk and classical. He regularly performs with Estampa and Kelsey Giarola, as well as the Brisbane Jazz Orchestra and The Shining Hour (with Nadia Sunde). Paul has also performed and recorded with many popular Australian and international artists, including Mirusia Louwerse, Rhonda Burchmore, Wendy Matthews, Carl Riseley, Venetta Fields, Julie Anthony and Paul Potts.

Samuel Vincent

Samuel Vincent is a bassist and educator and has been performing music for the last 25 years. He graduated from QUT in 1997 with a Bmus in classical Double Bass. In 2005 he joined gypsy ensemble Doch with whom he has toured both nationally and internationally and has appeared on their critically acclaimed albums. Samuel is much in demand as a freelance musician and has appeared with such acts as Laique, Topology, and the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra as well as performers such as Tommy Emanuel, Marina Pryor, Don Burrows, Tom Burlinson, James Morrison, and Meagan Washington. Currently, Samuel is performing with world/folk ensemble Estampa and renowned contemporary jazz outfit Trichotomy.

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